Synonyms of preliminary

preliminary 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈli-mə-ˌner-ē 

as in preparatory

coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows

we need to do some preliminary research in order to properly focus the experiment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• preparatory
• introductory
• primary
• beginning
• prefatory
• preparative
• prelim
• precursory
• basic
• preparing
• early
• prelusive
• previous
• fundamental
• introducing
• elementary
• warning
• premonitory
• prior
• preceding
• readying
• prefacing
• ahead
• former

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• following
• subsequent
• after
• behind

preliminary

2 of 2

noun

as in prelude

a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event

a meeting to discuss seating arrangements that was merely a preliminary to the formal negotiating sessions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prelude
• overture
• prologue
• preamble
• warm-up
• curtain-raiser
• lead-in
• start
• countdown
• kickoff
• run-up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preliminary

Adjective

But the toll lanes were met with heavy neighborhood opposition after NCDOT released preliminary designs for the roadway in November. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2026

In June, oil prices briefly fell to their lowest level since before the war on news that a preliminary peace agreement had been reached. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Noun

His preliminary is scheduled to begin May 26. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026

Tickets to the mixed archery preliminary set me back $110 each, then $85 each for the mixed equestrian preliminary. — Personal Finance Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Apr. 2026